Proud Pardew Celebrating Century

Saturday's game against West Ham United will be Alan Pardew's 100th Barclays Premier League match in charge of Newcastle United - and, fittingly, it comes against one of his former clubs.

Pardew's first league game in the St. James' Park hotseat was a superb 3-1 victory over Liverpool in December 2010 while his 50th was a 2-1 defeat at Arsenal.

But the United boss would love nothing more than to mark his century with a win over the Hammers, who he managed between 2003 and 2006 and led to an FA Cup final.

In his programme notes ahead of the match, Pardew writes: "(Saturday) marks my 100th Premier League game as manager of this great Club and throughout my time here I am constantly reminded that the hard work mentality which has long provided Newcastle United with its ethos can never be lost on or off the pitch.

"Let's all unite together to get the victory we want."

When FA Cup, league cup and Europa League matches are added to his Tyneside total, Pardew has taken change of 121 Newcastle games, winning 44 and drawing 32.

He added: "I'm very proud of (the milestone) - but it's aged me considerably!"

Saturday's official matchday programme will be on sale around the ground costing £3 and includes interviews with Papiss Cisse and Sammy Ameobi